Hi. My name is Lauren, and I’m a middle aged, middle class, white woman. I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, an expert on black history, race relations or reconciliation. What I am is heartbroken over the injustices I see much more clearly now than I ever have before. What I am is determined to learn and do better. So for what it’s worth, I wanted to share a few resources with you that have taught me, moved me and spurred me to action these last few weeks.
To Watch:
Holy Post – Race in America. Phil Vischer (yes the Veggie Tales guy) on the history of systemic racism. Just watch it. Trust me. (YouTube)
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man – Former football star Emmanuel Acho answering the questions he’s been asked by white people. (YouTube)
The Color of Compromise – Jemar Tisby explores in a video series the ways the church has been complicit.
Best of Enemies – movie based on the true story of a school integration fight between the leader of the local KKK and a civil rights activist.
Black or White – movie also based on a true story of a custody battle between a white grandfather and a black grandmother.
Little Fires Everywhere – this mini-series is not historical. It’s not true. And you will have to put up with some bad language, but it will cause you to think about race and class in new ways. You will want to talk to someone about it when you are done. (Hulu only)
Ruby Bridges – I’m sure this movie about the first black child to integrate an all white school was sanitized for Disney, but it’s still an education.
Harriet – a movie about the most famous conductor of the underground railroad.
To Listen To:
1619 – a podcast from the New York Times on the history of racism in America.
Be The Bridge – a podcast from Natasha Morrison on racial reconciliation.
To Read:
Why are White People so Bad at Talking About Race? – an article interview with the author of White Fragility.
This Is Us Star Lonnie Chavis, 12, Shares His Experiences with Racism: ‘America Needs to Change’ from People Magazine – I couldn’t resist a star from my favorite show.
Open Letter to Moms – an article for Peekaboo: Northwest Arkansas’ Family Magazine
Justice Too Long Delayed – an editorial for Christianity Today
George Floyd and Me – A look inside the mind of a black Christian man today from The Gospel Coalition
White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson, Ph.D. – I am not far along yet in this book, but I am already appalled by how much I don’t know about the history of blacks in our country.
Challenge: Dig into one of these offerings or something else you’ve heard good buzz about. But before you do, say a prayer. Ask God to show you what you don’t yet see. Ask Him, “What am I missing?” I’m praying for you in this. In the meantime, leave any recommendations you have for me in the comments. I want to keep learning.
And now for this week’s featured post!
Calvonia Radford of realtalk859 allowed me to interview her for a series of race. You can read those posts here and here. I continue to learn from her blog and wanted to share the post I Don’t Think You Understand with you. Visit her and thank her for her vulnerability and linking up with Grace and Truth.
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Lauren, thank you for sharing the words God led me to write. It is my prayer someone will have their understanding enlightened, their heart softened and their feet set on fire to action. The resources you shared today are invaluable I have read, watched or listened to several of them but you gave me a new list to pull from. I too am learning during this challenging season. Thank your for providing the tools we need to learn. Bless you, Sis!
I am indebted to you for helping me, Calvonia.
Thank you for sharing your post at this week’s #TrafficJamWeekend Linky Party. I enjoy listening to “An Uncomfortable Conversation with a Black Man”
I’m so glad, Antionette. Thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to put this list together, Lauren. While racism isn’t nearly as bad as it used to be in America, it’s still out there. I’m looking forward to watching some of those videos.
I highly recommend it, Summer!
Such a wonderful list of resources, Lauren! I was so in tune with the racial issues in Little Fires Everywhere. I found the message quite profoundly disturbing and true. I think we all need to pay more attention to those things. Thanks so much for sharing this valuable post and linking up with me.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Wasn’t that show fascinating! Thanks so much for your always kind words.
I love this list of resources, Lauren! Thank you for compiling them to share with us in your space. I’m bookmarking it to return to. Having always worn white skin, I’m learning more and more from others about how it feels to wear Black skin in America.
I’m certainly trying as well, Lisa. Thanks so much for the encouragement and support. Have loved your posts on the subject.
You’ve given us a wealth of resources to reflect on, to pray over, to search our hearts by.
It’s time to live out what we say we believe …
Thanks, Lauren.
It is time. Thanks for standing with me, Linda.
Great list, Lauren – I just finished Just Mercy (the book – highly recommend it and movie – 5.99 on Amazon Prime ) and our pastor just preached on it last Sunday (GraceCentralCoast, SLO) – And my new friend Doris Cush and her two friends are hosting a free virtual event this Sat. I wasn’t able to link it but it’s on my site this week. Have a great day!
I haven’t read the book, but the movie Just Mercy fundamentally changed me. And I will check out the virtual event. Thanks for letting me know.
I feel the same, especially the book. I feel like I’ve lived w/ my head in the sand. Pretty white in my growing up and now in this coastal town, the same. Grateful for the books and new friends online who are believers first. Oh, I was praying about what to do and remembered that our town has an org that helps women coming out of prison. I’ll check it out. The book inspired me that even if I help only one person, I’m doing what I should/can.
That sounds like a great organization to check out.
Thanks for the challenge. I love the varied resources you list here.
Thanks, Laurie!